HSBC turns real-time movements on Hang Seng Index into evolving work of art

HSBC has collaborated with MSL Hong Kong and multi-media and NFT artist Victor Wong, to create an experience that celebrates the launch of the new, luxurious HSBC Wealth Centre in Hong Kong’s K11 Atelier.  This new wealth centre services high-net-worth customers and showcases the Bank’s commitment to being Asia’s leading wealth manager.

The ‘Art of Progress’ is an art piece that combines technology, big data and new media artforms to tell HSBC’s new chapter in its wealth growth story. The art piece turns real-time movements of the Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index into dynamic art. Peaks, valleys, slopes, and inclines shift according to the volatility of the market.

The design of the art piece is also inspired by traditional Chinese landscape paintings, but with a modern twist. Motifs within the artwork are inspired by original HSBC bank notes, including the tram, bank, and birds.

“The Hang Seng Index is the financial pulse of Hong Kong, while art has always been a passion for High-Net-Worth Individuals. We had the idea of combining the two to create a uniquely calming brand experience – an antidote to Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle,” explains Flora Tsui, creative director at MSL Hong Kong.

Every day when the market opens, ‘Art of Progress’ is recreated from scratch using the Hang Seng Index’s open-source market data. The artist’s proprietary algorithms then trigger updates throughout the day so that ‘Art of Progress’ is never the same from minute to minute, or from day to day.

Wong is a renowned multi-media artist and creator of the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) ink artwork, Escapism 001, which was created by Wong and his AI robot, Gemini. Today, he is considered one of the Asia Pacific’s rising NFT artists. HSBC continues to invest in its wealth management business globally, with a particular focus on Asia.

Most recently, HSBC appointed Grace Chan (pictured) as head of brand and brand partnerships Asia Pacific. Chan will be based out of Hong Kong, and started her with HSBC last month. Before that, she worked for CFG Fashion Group as executive director from December 2019 to July 2021. Prior to that, she also worked for American Express for more than 12 years with the last position being vice president, global brand - Japan, Asia Pacific (including Mainland China) and Australia.